Hawkeye Downs News & Notes

Griesbach Off to a Hot StartGrant Griesbach is making a statement early in the 2025 season, picking up his second win in the first three races. The victory at Hawkeye Downs marks his 3rd career Midwest Truck Series win in just his 18th start.

Kirchner Breaks ThroughFormer NASCAR AutoZone Elite Series winner Brent Kirchner had his best showing yet in the Midwest Truck Series, earning a podium finish for the first time in 22 starts. The runner-up result launched him to 8th in the championship standings.

Record Field at Hawkeye DownsThe 21 trucks that rolled into Iowa mark the largest field in Midwest Truck Series history at Hawkeye Downs. The previous high was 18 entries in 2021.

Curts Lands First PodiumClay Curts has shown flashes of speed in every outing, and on Friday night, he put it all together for a well-earned first career podium. Curts now sits 5th in championship points just three races into the season.

Career Bests for Several DriversIt was a night of personal bests as Nick Roehl (8th), Eric Wisz (13th), and Anne Green (14th) all recorded the highest finishes of their Midwest Truck Series careers.

Favorites Face TroubleSeveral early-season favorites found trouble at some point in the race. Chester Ace spun while charging forward, Eugene Gregorich III was involved in a mid-race incident that also ended the night of Legends.Direct Rookie of the Year points leader Robbie Rucks. Meanwhile, front-runners Parker Cain and Dillon Hammond tangled in Turn 1 while battling for the lead, collecting James Swan and James Lynch in the process. Ace recovered to finish 4th; Gregorich III rallied to 6th.

Tough Break for SwanIt’s been a brutal start to the season for 6x champion James Swan, who now has back-to-back DNFs, a first in his Midwest Truck Series career. If anyone can bounce back, it’s the longtime champion.

Rookie Battle TightensWith Robbie Rucks sidelined, the Legends.Direct Rookie of the Year battle just got interesting. Scott Ciesielski now sits just 7 points behind in the standings. Rucks’ status heading into race four remains uncertain.

Up Next: Memorial Day Classic

The traditional Memorial Day Special at Golden Sands Speedway is next on the calendar. Jeff Holtz, winner of the last two Memorial Day Classic 50s, will aim for three in a row on Monday, May 26.